We have a Full Spectrum Engineering [http://www.fullspectrumengineering.com/co2laserv2-40w.html 40W Co2 Laser Cutter]

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[[User:Tetsu|Tetsu]] worked hard and started a [http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/211646812/laser-cutter-for-familab-fl-hackerspace?pos=1&ref=search Kickstarter project] to get us a laser cutter for about $2000. We successfully pimped it out enough to get people to generously donate to our cause, and now we have one!

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[[User:Tetsu|Tetsu]] worked hard and started a [http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/211646812/laser-cutter-for-familab-fl-hackerspace?pos=1&ref=search Kickstarter project] to get us a laser cutter for about $2000. We successfully promoted it enough to get people to generously donate to our cause, and now we have one!

The laser cutter has two settings that are mainly used: Power and Speed. These are determined by the type and thickness of material and the type and thickness of the desired cut. This is a table of suggestions based on what lab members have found by trial and error; so they may or may not work for you. If you have something new, go with what's most like what you're trying to cut and experiment from there.

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There are a few things to remember when using the laser cutter:

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* Never cut PVC. If you don't know what it is, do your best to research it or ask someone. Using PVC **WILL** Damage the laser cutter.

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* The "Laser Test" button is '''ALWAYS''' live. Do not press it with the lid open.

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* '''DO NOT''' go over '''15mA''' on the current adjustment knob. This will kill the laser tube quickly.

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* If anything seems out of place (strange noises, burn marks, laser is not cutting and power meter is moving, water or air is not running properly) '''STOP'''. Ask someone what to do.

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==Laser Settings Chart==

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<!-- TABLE INFORMATION ***PLEASE READ BEFORE EDITING***

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Learning

Laser Cutter Settings

The laser cutter has two settings that are mainly used: Power and Speed. These are determined by the type and thickness of material and the type and thickness of the desired cut. This is a table of suggestions based on what lab members have found by trial and error; so they may or may not work for you. If you have something new, go with what's most like what you're trying to cut and experiment from there.

There are a few things to remember when using the laser cutter:

Never cut PVC. If you don't know what it is, do your best to research it or ask someone. Using PVC **WILL** Damage the laser cutter.

The "Laser Test" button is ALWAYS live. Do not press it with the lid open.

DO NOT go over 15mA on the current adjustment knob. This will kill the laser tube quickly.

If anything seems out of place (strange noises, burn marks, laser is not cutting and power meter is moving, water or air is not running properly) STOP. Ask someone what to do.